GUM TREE WEEVIL

Feilding Star, Volume 5, Issue 1204, 14 September 1927, Page 6

GUM TREE WEEVIL

PARASITES FROM AFRICA.

POSSIBILITIES OF SUCCESS

(Per Press Association), Wellington, Sept. 12. The Minister of Agriculture states that the insect that is doing damage to the gum trees in the Thomas Valley and surrounding districts is the gum tree weevil, conipterus ..scuttellat us. This beetle is the major eucalyti pest and for the past three years the Department of Agriculture has give close attention to the insect and has made a study of its range and life history in New Zealand as the basis for parasite control. As the insect is an Australian one, and is comparatively rare in the Commonwealth, attention was given to securing parasites from there.

It has also become established in South Africa where it is doing great damage, and in July, 11)24, the Department. being already in communication with the chief entomologist at Pretoria, steps were taken on behalf of South Africa and New Zealand to locate a suitable entomologist in Australia who would he able to under-

take the search for the required parasites and ship them to New Zealand and South Africa.

j It was found, however, that there was no one in Australia who could undertake the work. Eventually an entomologist in Australia, who had been to South Africa, and after some searching was successful in 11)20 in locating at legst two species of para* Kites which will he invaluable. These were sent to Africa and re-

ports show their great possibilities. The South African authorities readily agreed to send some to New Zealand and the material is expected at an early date. Preparations are being made for establishing them in the spring.